Widening the doors in HE – Implications for engaging and teaching online students – An invitation to participate in an industry Think Tank

Are you an experienced online teacher, or do you conduct research focused on online learning or engagement in higher education?

Are you a strong advocate, or researcher focused on increasing equitable participation and student success in higher education?

If your work or research fits into one or both of these areas, please register to join and contribute to one of three Think Tanks being held during the last week of November.

• Tuesday the 26th of November – 1pm  AEST – QLD time
• Wednesday the 27th of November – 9am – AEST– QLD time
• Thursday the 28th of November 12pm AEST – QLD time

Think Tank participants will be invited to provide their insights and respond to the following question: What would an increase in online enrolments of underrepresented students mean for the online teaching and engagement strategies we currently employ?

The Think Tanks are motivated by key themes evidenced in the Australian Universities Accord Final report (Australian Government, 2024). The report strongly emphasises the importance of increased access to underrepresented students in higher education. While the goal of ‘widening the doors in higher education’ is commendable, experience (and data) indicates that there will be an increase in students opting to study online. To offer students the best opportunity for success, it is important consideration be given, and efforts focused on the implications of the online teaching and engagement strategies we currently employ. The Think Tanks will involve active participation in the form of a virtual World Café.

This event is co-hosted by the HERDSA Online Engagement in HE Special Interest Group and The Australian Centre of Student Equity and Success (ACSES).